Small volume cell

ABSTRACT

A small internal volume cell having fluid entry, and exit ports wherein at least one bubble trap is present in a fluid pathway which is continuous with the fluid exit port. There further being present an input/output aperture, for entering and exiting electromagnetic radiation, positioned to allow causing an input beam of electromagnetic radiation to impinge on a sample substrate at a location thereon at which, during use, fluid contacts; and a mirror for directing electromagnetic radiation which reflects from said sample substrate, toward and out of said input/output aperture; as well as methodology of its use.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO OTHER APPLICATIONS

This Application is a CIP of application Ser. No. 12/220,415 Filed Jul. 24, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,817,266 and Claims Benefit of Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 60/961,996 Filed Jul. 26, 2007 and 61/137,547 Filed Aug. 1, 2008.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to cells for containing fluid to be investigated by electromagnetic radiation, and more particularly to a small internal volume cell comprising fluid entry and exit ports including bubble traps, and an input/output aperture for entering and exiting electromagnetic radiation, as well as methodology of use.

BACKGROUND

It is known to apply cells for receiving fluids and investigating sample in said fluid with electromagnetic radiation. For instance, a Patent to Woollam et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,937,341 that enables simultaneous investigation of a sample in a fluid with two beams of electromagnetic radiation.

A computer search was conducted to identify Patents which discuss small fluid cells and ellipsometry, and none were found. However, a Patent to Battiston et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,389,679 was identified as it does disclose cell for containing small amounts of fluid. The design of the cell, however, is very different from that of the present invention. In particular fluid entry ports are at a lower extent of the 679 system which means bubbles rise through entered fluid. As disclosed herein, in the Detailed Description Section and Drawings, the present invention system provides for a very different fluid entry configuration.

Need remains for additional small cells for use in investigating fluid samples with electromagnetic radiation, and in particular small cells which provide means for reducing the effect of bubbles caused by entry of the fluid into said small cell.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

As previously disclosed in Co-Pending application Ser. No. 12/220,415, the present invention therein is a small internal volume cell comprising a sample substrate at a lower extent thereof, and laterally separated fluid entry and exit ports at an upper extent thereof, as viewed in elevation. The presently disclosed small internal volume cell, however, further comprises an input/output aperture for entering and exiting a beam of electromagnetic radiation. It is affixed to a laterally positioned side of the small volume cell, to allow entry and exit of a beam of electromagnetic radiation known angles-of-incidence and reflection, as viewed in frontal elevation. A mirror present inside the presently disclosed small internal volume cell serves to reflect a beam of electromagnetic radiation entered at said input/output port, after it interacts with said sample substrate, back out of said input/output port. Said small internal volume cell is characterized by the presence of at least one bubble accumulating trap region in a fluid exit pathway to said exit port, which bubble trap(s) serve to accumulate bubbles produced during the entry and exit of fluid, into and from, said small internal volume cell.

In use, fluid is caused to enter said fluid input port and is directed to be contact said sample substrate, then said fluid exits via said exit port. During use, simultaneous with fluid entry, a beam of electromagnetic radiation is caused to enter said input/output aperture, reflect from said sample substrate near the location at which said fluid is caused to contact said sample substrate, then reflect from said mirror and exit from said input/output aperture.

The fluid input port is continuous with a single fluid entry pathway that ends at a point above the sample substrate, near a location on said substrate at which fluid entered to said input port contacts during use. And, said output port is continuous with a fluid exit pathway which either bifurcates into two laterally opposed pathways that serve to receive fluid which is presented to said sample substrate and flows therefrom in laterally opposed directions, or simply proceeds to a single output port which contacts the small internal volume.

The present invention is then a small internal volume cell comprising a sample substrate at a lower extent thereof. Said small internal volume cell further comprises laterally separated fluid entry and exit ports at an upper extent thereof and an input/output aperture for entering and exiting a beam of electromagnetic radiation affixed to a laterally positioned side thereof to allow entry and exit of a beam of electromagnetic radiation, as viewed in frontal elevation. Said small internal volume cell further comprises a mirror therewithin which is positioned to reflect a beam of electromagnetic radiation which reflects from said sample substrate and fluid or sample therein which contacts said substrate, back toward and out of said input/output aperture. Said small internal volume cell is further characterized by the presence of at least one bubble accumulating trap region in a fluid exit pathway to said exit port for accumulating bubbles produced during the entry and exit of fluid from said small volume cell. In use, while fluid is caused to enter said input port and contact said sample substrate, then exit via said exit port, a beam of electromagnetic radiation is caused to enter said input/output aperture, reflect from said sample substrate at or near the location at which said fluid is caused to contact said sample substrate, reflect from said mirror and exit said input/output aperture.

The preferred embodiment of the cell has an internal volume which is on the order of one-half (0.5) milliliter or less, and can further comprise temperature control means for controlling the temperature of said sample substrate.

The presently disclosed small internal volume cell can be further characterized by a reduced diameter aperture region between the input aperture and the sample substrate, and the sample substrate can be selected to be of a composition so as to selectively secure thereto a component in a fluid presented thereto, to the exclusion of other components. An example is to provide a sample substrate which is composed of gold on glass, and provide a fluid which includes biotin. The effective sample which the electromagnetic beam impinges on becomes biotin attached to the gold. Another example is that a substrate to which is applied “dirt” can be affected by a fluid which contains “soap”. The electromagnetic beam can monitor the removal of the dirt as the soap flows thereby. Still another, very basic, example is to provide an effectively inert sample substrate and flow a fluid for which the optical constants are to be determined. In such examples, it is noted that the fluid is typically, but not necessarily, a liquid. That is, it can be, for instance, a gas. The present invention then includes providing a sample substrate which has a composition appropriate to the task, said composition being, for instance, characterized as a selected from the group:

-   -   chemically inert;     -   chemically reactive with at least one component in a fluid.     -   chemically reactive with one component in a fluid and not other         components.

A method of investigating a sample present in a fluid comprises the steps of:

-   -   a) providing a cell as just described above;     -   b) causing sample containing fluid to be entered into said cell         internal volume, with any bubbles produced accumulating in said         bubble traps;     -   c) causing a beam of electromagnetic radiation to enter said         input/output aperture, proceed through said fluid, reflect from         said sample substrate, reflect from said mirror and exit said         input/output aperture;     -   d) causing said exiting beam of electromagnetic radiation to         enter a data detector.

Said method can further comprise:

-   -   e) performing at least one selection from the group consisting         of:         -   storing at least some data provided by said data detector in             machine readable media;         -   analyzing at least some of the data provided by said data             detector and storing at least some of the results of said             analysis in machine readable media;         -   displaying at least some data provided by said data detector             by electronic and/or non-electronic means;         -   analyzing at least some of the data provided by said data             detector and displaying at least some of the results of said             analysis by electronic and/or non-electronic means;         -   causing at least some data provided by said data detector to             produce a signal which is applied to provide a concrete and             tangible result;         -   analyzing at least some of the data provided by said data             detector and causing at least some thereof to produce a             signal which is applied to provide a concrete and tangible             result.

Said method can further comprises providing a polarized electromagnetic beam in step c.

The present invention is also an ellipsometer system that comprises:

-   -   a source of a beam of electromagnetism;     -   a polarizer;     -   a small internal volume cell comprising a sample substrate at a         lower extent thereof, said small internal volume cell further         comprising laterally separated fluid entry and exit ports at an         upper extent thereof and an input/output aperture for entering         and exiting a beam of electromagnetic radiation affixed to a         laterally positioned side thereof to allow entry and exit of a         beam of electromagnetic radiation, as viewed in frontal         elevation; said small internal volume cell further comprising a         mirror therewithin which is positioned to reflect a beam of         electromagnetic radiation which reflects from said sample         substrate and fluid or sample therein which is present         thereupon, back toward and out of said input/output aperture;         said small internal volume cell being further characterized by         the presence of at least one bubble accumulating trap region in         a fluid exit pathway to said exit port for accumulating bubbles         produced during the entry and exit of fluid from said small         volume cell;         such that in use, while fluid is caused to enter said input port         and contact said sample substrate, then exit via said exit port,         a beam of electromagnetic radiation is caused to enter said         input/output aperture, reflect from said sample substrate at or         near the location at which said fluid is caused to contact said         sample substrate, reflect from said mirror and exit said         input/output aperture;     -   an analyzer; and     -   a detector.

Again, the small internal volume of small internal volume cell can be about one-half (0.5) milliliter or less; there can be present a temperature control means for controlling the temperature of said substrate for supporting a sample of said internal volume of small internal volume cell; the internal volume of small internal volume cell can be further characterized by a reduced diameter aperture region between the input aperture and the sample substrate thereof; there can be at least one compensator between said polarizer and analyzer; and said source of a beam of electromagnetism can be mono-chromatic or spectroscopic.

The invention will be better understood by reference to the Detailed Description Section of this Specification, in combination with the Drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a representation of the present small internal volume cell (C), in frontal elevation.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show modified versions of the Small Internal Volume Cell (C) of FIG. 1, and comprise the Presently Disclosed Invention.

FIG. 4 shows a general elemental configuration of an ellipsometer system (E) which can be applied in combination with the small internal volume cell (C).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to the Drawings, there in shown in FIG. 1 a representation of a Small Internal Volume Cell (C) as previously disclosed in Co-Pending application Ser. No. 12/220,415. Shown are an effective Sample Substrate (STG) at a lower extent thereof. Said Small Internal Volume Cell (C) further comprises Fluid (L) Entry (IN) and Exit (OUT) Ports and Bubble Traps (BT) in pathways to said Exit (OUT) Port, and Input (IA) and Output (OA) Apertures for entering (EMI) and exiting (EMO) a Beam of Electromagnetic Radiation. Said Entry (IN) and Exit (OUT) Ports are shown to be laterally separated from one another atop said Small Internal Volume Cell (C), and said Input (IA) and Output (OA) Apertures for entering (EMI) and exiting (EMO) a Beam of Electromagnetic Radiation are affixed to laterally separated sides of said Small Internal Volume Cell (C) to allow entry at a known oblique angle-of-incidence, (e.g. θ=70 degrees), as viewed in the FIG. 1 frontal elevation. Said Small Internal Volume Cell (C) is distinguished by the presence of said Bubble Accumulating Trap (BT) regions in at least one pathway to said Exit (OUT) port, for accumulating bubbles produced during the entry and exit of fluid from said Small Internal Volume Cell (C). Note that FIG. 1 shows that the preferred embodiment provides two pathways for fluid to follow to the Exit (OUT) Port. FIG. 1 shows that in use, fluid (L) which is entered to Input (IN) Port exits onto said Sample Substrate (STG) via a Fluid Exit (LE) opening at the end of a Fluid (L) input pathway, at a location thereupon from which a Beam of Electromagnetic Radiation (EMI) is caused to reflect.

It is further noted that associated with the Input Aperture (IA) is a Reduced Diameter Aperture Region (IAP). This serves to diminish interaction of the entered Beam of Electromagnetic Radiation (EMI) with sides of the pathway through which it proceeds to the Sample Substrate (STG). That is, reflections from the sides of the effective bore between the Bubble Traps (BT) and the Sample Substrate (STG) are greatly reduced over what they would be if the Reduced Diameter Aperture Region (IAP) were not present.

It is to be understood that the Sample Substrate (STG) can be of various compositions to interact with components deposited thereonto from the Fluid (L). For instance, the Sample Substrate (STG) can be, but does have to be, comprised of a material to which some component in a Fluid (L) attaches, to the exclusion of other components. That is, the composition of the Sample Substrate (STG) can be selected so that it secure thereto a component in a fluid, to the exclusion of other components. While the Sample Substrate (STG) can alone comprise a Sample (SM), when a Component from a fluid is affixed thereto, the combination of the fluid component in combination with the Sample Substrate (STG), form a Sample (SAM).

Note the presence of “O” rings, (shown generally as circles), which, in the case of the Input (IA) and Output (OA) Apertures for entering (EMI) and exiting (EMO) a Beam of Electromagnetic Radiation, serve to reduce stress induced effects that can affect Electromagnetic beam characteristics.

It is disclosed that the Small Internal Volume Cell (C) can be modified to provide a single Port, such as Input Port (IA), which serves to both enter (EMI) and exit (EMO) a Beam of Electromagnetic Radiation. The modification involves placing a mirror where the Output Aperture (OA) is shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show modified versions of the Small Internal Volume Cell (C) of FIG. 1, and comprise the Presently Disclosed Invention. Note that the primary difference is that there is only one Input/Output Port (IAOA) for the Input and Output Electromagnetic Radiation (EMI) and (EMO). Note also that a Mirror (MR) is added to the FIG. 1 embodiment and is present to direct an input Beam of Electromagnetic Radiation (EMI) which interacts with the Sample (SAM) on the Sample Substrate (STG), back out of the Input/Output Port (IAOA) as (EMO). Also note that while FIG. 2 provides a Fluid (L) pathway similar to that in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 shows an alternative Fluid (L) flow pathways which is not bifurcated.

Other than the presence of the Input/Output Port (IAOA) and Mirror (MR), said Mirror (MR), and the possibility of an altered non-bifurcated Fluid (L) flow pathway, the discussion with respect to FIG. 1 is generally applicable to FIGS. 2 and 3 and the identifiers in FIGS. 2 and 3 have the same significance as they do in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is included to show a general elemental configuration of an Ellipsometer System (E) which can be applied in combination with the Small Internal Volume Cell (C). Note there is present a Source (LS) of a Beam of electromagnetic radiation which is directed to pass through a Polarizer (P) and appear as (EMI) which enters the Small Internal Volume Cell (C), interacts with a fluid sample therein, exits and passes through an Analyzer (A) and enters a Detector (DET). Note also identified are optional Compensators (C1) (C2), which can be stationary or rotated in use, and general representation of “additional elements” (AC1) (AC2) which might include, for instance, focusing elements. In use the Polarizer (P) imposes a state of polarization on Beam (EMI), which is changed by interaction with the fluid sample in the Small Internal Volume Cell (C), then monitored by the Analyzer and the Detector (DET).

It is noted that the terminology “Sample” as used herein can refer to a fluid per se. which contacts the Sample Substrate (STG), or components in said fluid which deposit on, or attach to, the Sample Substrate (STG).

Having hereby disclosed the subject matter of the present invention, it should be obvious that many modifications, substitutions, and variations of the present invention are possible in view of the teachings. It is therefore to be understood that the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described, and should be limited in its breadth and scope only by the Claims. 

We claim:
 1. A small internal volume cell comprising a sample substrate at a lower extent thereof, said small internal volume cell further comprising laterally separated fluid entry and exit ports at an upper extent thereof and an input/output aperture for entering and exiting a beam of electromagnetic radiation affixed to a laterally positioned side thereof to allow entry and exit of a beam of electromagnetic radiation, as viewed in frontal elevation; said small internal volume cell further comprising a mirror therewithin which is positioned to reflect a beam of electromagnetic radiation which reflects from said sample substrate and fluid or sample therein which is present thereupon, back toward and out of said input/output aperture; said small internal volume cell being further characterized by the presence of at least one bubble accumulating trap region in a fluid exit pathway to said exit port for accumulating bubbles produced during the entry and exit of fluid from said small volume cell; such that in use, while fluid is caused to enter said input port and contact said sample substrate, then exit via said exit port, a beam of electromagnetic radiation is caused to enter said input/output aperture, reflect from said sample substrate at or near the location at which said fluid is caused to contact said sample substrate, reflect from said mirror and exit said input/output aperture.
 2. A small internal volume cell as in claim 1 wherein the internal volume thereof is about one-half (0.5) milliliter or less.
 3. A small internal volume cell as in claim 1 which further comprises a temperature control means for controlling the temperature of said sample substrate.
 4. A small internal volume cell as in claim 1, in which said input port is continuous with a single fluid entry pathway that ends at a point above the sample substrate, at a location thereon near which fluid entered to said input port contacts during use; and said output port is continuous with a fluid exit pathway which bifurcates into two laterally opposed pathways that serve to receive fluid which contacts said sample substrate, and flows therefrom in laterally opposed directions.
 5. A small internal volume cell as in claim 1, which is further characterized by a reduced diameter aperture region between the input aperture and the sample substrate.
 6. A small internal volume cell as in claim 1, which is further characterized by a sample substrate which is selected to be of a composition so as to selectively secure thereto a component in a fluid, to the exclusion of other components.
 7. A small internal volume cell as in claim 1, wherein the fluid is a liquid.
 8. A method of investigating a fluid or sample present in a fluid comprising the steps of: a) providing a small internal volume cell comprising an internal volume of about 0.5 ml or less, and having a sample substrate at a lower extent thereof, said small internal volume cell further comprising laterally separated fluid entry and exit ports at an upper extent thereof and an input/output aperture for entering and exiting a beam of electromagnetic radiation affixed to a laterally positioned side thereof to allow entry and exit of a beam of electromagnetic radiation, as viewed in frontal elevation; said small internal volume cell further comprising a mirror therewithin which is positioned to reflect a beam of electromagnetic radiation which reflects from said sample substrate and fluid or sample therein which is present thereupon, back toward and out of said input/output aperture; said small internal volume cell being further characterized by the presence of at least one bubble accumulating trap region in a fluid exit pathway to said exit port for accumulating bubbles produced during the entry and exit of fluid from said small volume cell; such that in use, while fluid is caused to enter said input port and contact said sample substrate, then exit via said exit port, a beam of electromagnetic radiation is caused to enter said input/output aperture, reflect from said sample substrate at or near the location at which said fluid is caused to contact said sample substrate, reflect from said mirror and exit said input/output aperture; b) causing a fluid or sample containing fluid to be entered into said small internal volume cell internal volume, with bubbles produced accumulating in said bubble traps; c) causing a beam of electromagnetic radiation to enter said input/output aperture, proceed through said fluid, reflect from said sample substrate, reflect from said mirror and exit said input/output aperture; d) causing said exiting beam of electromagnetic radiation to enter a data detector.
 9. A method as in claim 8 in which the sample substrate is selected from the group: chemically inert; chemically reactive with at least one component in a fluid, chemically reactive with one component in a fluid and not other components.
 10. A method as in claim 7 which further comprises: e) performing at least one selection from the group consisting of: storing at least some data provided by said data detector in machine readable media; analyzing at least some of the data provided by said data detector and storing at least some of the results of said analysis in machine readable media; displaying at least some data provided by said data detector by electronic and/or non-electronic means; analyzing at least some of the data provided by said data detector and displaying at least some of the results of said analysis by electronic and/or non-electronic means; causing at least some data provided by said data detector to produce a signal which is applied to provide a concrete and tangible result; analyzing at least some of the data provided by said data detector and causing at least some thereof to produce a signal which is applied to provide a concrete and tangible result.
 11. A method as in claim 8 which further comprises providing a polarized electromagnetic beam in step c. 